Beijing Subway to expand again

China's capital city's underground system has seen unprecedented construction in recent years, greatly easing traffic congestion.

Including a new line and extensions to lines, the city boasts a network of 15 lines, covering 11 districts, with 221 stations and 442 km of track.

The Beijing Subway is the busiest on mainland China.

It is estimated the total operational length of the Beijing system will reach 1,050 km by the end of 2020, with 30 lines and some 450 stations, according to the Beijing government.

In the meantime, I'm still wondering what has happened to the 3D Express Coach!

Source: China Daily Times

Travel - China 2012

Earlier in the year I was lucky enough to visit China. I have posted the Canton Tower, Guangzhou before, so here are some pictures of things I saw and did on my travels. Our school is taking a group of pupils to Beijing in June 2013!

Forbidden City, Beijing

Inside the Forbidden City

Temple of Heaven (I think)

The Great Wall

The 'Bottle Opener' in Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai

A Chinese Junk boat in Hong Kong Harbour

I do hope this inspires some of you to go and visit China. It is an incredible place.

Kia Ora, G'Day, Bienvenue, Wilkommen etc!

Kia Ora from the other side of the world. I am currently on the last leg of my Antipodean Adventure, in Auckland. And yes, to my S4 class who thought I would chicken out I DID do the Sky Jump off the Auckland Sky Tower. It was incredible.

I even shouted 'GERONIMO!" as I leapt 192 metres above the concrete of the city.

(I hasten to add that is not me! I have full DVD and photographic evidence!)

My travels have taken me from Kuala Lumpur (again - but just a short stop) to Sydney, Australia - a superb place. The waves on Bondi Beach reminded me of my childhood at Machrihanish, near Campbeltown!

Then on to Wellington - where the runway is so short the large airliners don't come in! And that is the capital of New Zealand! Kia Ora means hello in Maori. I thought it was just a fruit drink.

Then up to the hot springs of the thermal areas of Rotorua in central NZ, and now I am in Auckland.

I am coming home via Beijing - but I don't have enough time to get out of the airport. However with all this incredible carry on from the Iceland volcano I do not know what will happen yet. I may have to catch another flight into Southern Europe and then drive home. That would be a laugh!

I am determined to make it home for Monday morning and my reg class, 2D3. Though I am sure even if I travelled the 12,000 or so miles to make it back tired and exhausted they wouldn't crack an eyelid!

I wonder how many other people are stuck all over the world as it seems most of Central and Northern Europe has come to a standstill all because of a volcano. It is quite appropriate considering I am in a country that is still prone to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and indeed tsunamis. New Zealand is a very young country and is Mother Nature is still violent here.

So the next time back home in the UK we complain about the rain or snow, just remember we live in one of the most stable regions on Earth.

Anyway, I will have to wait and see what happens about my flight home from China!